About the book
In this interdisciplinary work, William L. Davis examines Joseph Smith’s 1829 creation of the Book of Mormon, the foundational text of the Latter Day Saint movement. Positioning the text in the history of early American oratorical techniques, sermon culture, educational practices, and the passion for self-improvement, Davis elucidates both the fascinating cultural context for the creation of the Book of Mormon and the central role of oral culture in early nineteenth-century America.
Drawing on performance studies, religious studies, literary culture, and the history of early American education, Davis analyzes Smith’s process of oral composition. How did he produce a history spanning a period of 1,000 years, filled with hundreds of distinct characters and episodes, all cohesively tied together in an overarching narrative? Eyewitnesses claimed that Smith never looked at notes, manuscripts, or books—he simply spoke the words of this American religious epic into existence. Judging the truth of this process is not Davis’s interest. Rather, he reveals a kaleidoscope of practices and styles that converged around Smith’s creation, with an emphasis on the evangelical preaching styles popularized by the renowned George Whitefield and John Wesley.
Editions of Visions in a Seer Stone
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469655659
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469655666
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469655680
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890857798
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469655673
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890857781
Read an Excerpt
In this interdisciplinary work, William L. Davis examines Joseph Smith’s 1829 creation of the Book of Mormon, the foundational text of the Latter Day Saint movement. Positioning the text in the history of early American oratorical techniques, sermon culture, educational practices, and the passion for self-improvement, Davis elucidates both the fascinating cultural context for the creation of the Book of Mormon and the central role of oral culture in early nineteenth-century America.
Drawing on performance studies, religious studies, literary culture, and the history of early American education, Davis analyzes Smith’s process of oral composition. How did he produce a history spanning a period of 1,000 years, filled with hundreds of distinct characters and episodes, all cohesively tied together in an overarching narrative? Eyewitnesses claimed that Smith never looked at notes, manuscripts, or books—he simply spoke the words of this American religious epic into existence. Judging the truth of this process is not Davis’s interest. Rather, he reveals a kaleidoscope of practices and styles that converged around Smith’s creation, with an emphasis on the evangelical preaching styles popularized by the renowned George Whitefield and John Wesley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Visions in a Seer Stone about?
In this interdisciplinary work, William L. Davis examines Joseph Smith’s 1829 creation of the Book of Mormon, the foundational text of the Latter Day Saint movement. Positioning the text in the history of early American oratorical techniques, sermon culture, educational practices, and the passion for self-improvement, Davis elucidates both the fascinating cultural context for the creation of the Book of Mormon and the central role of oral culture in early nineteenth-century America.
Drawing on performance studies, religious studies, literary culture, and the history of early American education, Davis analyzes Smith’s process of oral composition. How did he produce a history spanning a period of 1,000 years, filled with hundreds of distinct characters and episodes, all cohesively tied together in an overarching narrative? Eyewitnesses claimed that Smith never looked at notes, manuscripts, or books—he simply spoke the words of this American religious epic into existence. Judging the truth of this process is not Davis’s interest. Rather, he reveals a kaleidoscope of practices and styles that converged around Smith’s creation, with an emphasis on the evangelical preaching styles popularized by the renowned George Whitefield and John Wesley.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Visions in a Seer Stone?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Christianity > Christian Churches, denominations, groups > Denominations of American origin
Where can I read a sample of Visions in a Seer Stone?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469655659
How long is Visions in a Seer Stone and how many pages does it have?
Visions in a Seer Stone has 264 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Visions in a Seer Stone?
William L. Davis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Visions in a Seer Stone is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469655659) and paperback(ISBN 9781469655666) and ebook(ISBN 9781469655680) and ebook(ISBN 9798890857798) and ebook(ISBN 9781469655673) and pdf(ISBN 9798890857781)
Where can I buy Visions in a Seer Stone online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Visions in a Seer Stone from below
Where can I buy Visions in a Seer Stone?